Powering your world
Load Bank Testing
LOAD BANK TEST
WHY, WHAT & WHEN
A LOAD BANK TEST is a test of the ability of your generator to run for 2-hours at full load – successfully!
This test will provide a good idea of how your generator will perform during a power outage when you need it. This test is required for Life Safety Generators as per the CSA Code C282. And sometimes the test is requested for Non-Life Safety Generators by the administration, Insurance Companies, Mortgage Companies, etc.
A LOAD BANK TEST is commonly conducted on your generator following a complete Annual Service & Inspection. The Load Bank equipment is connected to your generator (which has been disconnected from your building) and a full load equal to the generator’s maximum rating/size is run for a total of 2-hours with readings taken regularly throughout the test. Upon a successful run, your generator, is given a pass and a Certificate can be issued.
INFRARED SURVEY – if your Generator is required to have the Load Bank Test done as part of a C282 Annual Generator Service, then an ‘Infrared Survey’ will be conducted at the same time, as required. Before an electrical component burns up, it heats up – so during the Load Bank test, an Infrared thermography (camera) is used to perform inspections/survey on generator electrical equipment to detect these ‘hot spots’. This excess heat at those spots are usually the first sign of trouble on electrical (or mechanical) equipment – and, preventative maintenance can then be done – avoiding a breakdown just when you need your generator.
There is a Table for all the Inspections that must be conducted and documented – weekly, monthly, semi-annually and annually. These tables cover all the testing, servicing inspecting and maintenance to ensure the generator, once completed successfully, can be ‘certified’ as in good and dependable working order. These records must be kept on file – we recommend a Generator Binder – with the Manuals and other documentation for the generator. We provide copies of all service, signed and dated, for your records. And, we also can issue a ‘Certificate for Annual Service’.
What are the benefits of performing a Load Bank Test?
Can the generator handle the full load of the building?
Only during this type of test can all the systems be inspected for dependable performance and any potential failure.
Identifying System Weakness
During this test we can detect where repairs and replacements are needed; therefore the repairs to any worn parts can be done prior to any potential ‘breakdown’.
